Use this creamy alternative to the classic recipe for a protein boost to your favorite pasta, toast, and sandwich recipes.

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Do your friends make fun of you for how often they see you snacking on edamame? Do they warn you that some day you may turn into an edamame bean? No? Just me? Cool. Well, I assure you, just as I assure them, that there is a good reason why they are a staple part of my snack diet.

Not only are they almost as addictive as popcorn, they are also packed with the nutrients and protein you need for a mid-day energy boost. With 17 grams of protein in each cup, soy beans are so versatile and can been used in many different dishes and sides.

I put them in everything and always keep a bag of these green goobers in my freezer. They add protein and a nice bite to any dish—bonus points for making dips and spreads creamier, too. That's why I decided to add edamame to my pesto to create an edamame pesto spread.

Edamame Pesto Spread

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:3 mins

Total Time:8 mins

Servings:4

Easy

Ingredients

1 cup frozen edamame

5 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup tightly packed basil leaves

2 whole cloves garlic

1 cup toasted almonds

1 cup arugula

Pinch salt and pepper to taste

Lemon juice

Photo by Sarah Goldman

Step 1

Pour edamame into a large microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup water and microwave for 2-3 minutes until edamame is steamed and warm all the way through. Drain out the water and you've got steamed, shelled edamame.

Photo by Sarah Goldman

Step 2

Pour edamame, parmesan cheese, basil, garlic cloves, almonds, arugula, salt, and pepper into your food processor. Let it blend on high while simultaneously pouring in the olive oil, so that it becomes evenly incorporated and creamy. If you want it to be a spread you can add less olive oil, and if you want it to be a sauce add more olive oil.

Photo by Sarah Goldman

Step 3

Transfer the mixture into a bowl and give it a fresh squeeze of lemon on top. This will not only preserve that vibrant green color of the spread, but will also give the pesto a nice pop of acidity.

Photo by Sarah Goldman

Step 4

Spread this on bread as a base to your favorite avocado toast, use it as a condiment for a pesto chicken sandwich, or even create a pesto shrimp pasta masterpiece!